I found this piece at a very ecelctic Estate sale and though it isn't perfect it really intrigued me. It is very thickly potted and though it looks Chinese I don't know for certain. There is a single mark on the back, but no marks on the bottom. The glaze is very heavily crazed. Any help with its origin, age and incised symbol would be greatly appreciated.

Looks like a south China "mud man" or in this case mud woman. Try searching Shiwan pottery figurines, Canton stoneware figurines, etc. A few similar lead glazed pottery figurines were also made in Japan, in the Awaji kilns, so you could search that too although your lady looks more south Asian in appearance.

Thank you for your quick response, Robert! I have a bunch of late 19th to mid-20th century "Mud" people (Shiwan pottery) and the clays are very different. I actually have pieces made in this country (U.S.) made from clay that is closer in texture than any of my mud men. However, the glazes are very close...particularly the pinks. It may be a Shiwan pottery piece though I'm hoping someone recognizes the incised symbol; perhaps that will clarify the woman's origin!

P.S.: I have included a picture of her with one of my Shiwan pottery pieces...perhaps they can go for a swim together. All joking aside, (maybe), I think you can see that the exposed clays are different. I don't know if that means anything but in the world of ceramics clay is usually an indicator of region.

Well, since I received no other edifying responses to my inquiree, (again, thank you Robert), I thought it might be helpful to share what I have learned! I believe the mark, on the back of the figure, is the symbol for "Bloom" or "Blossom"...which makes perfect sense. For all the "mud people" out there; does anypne else own a mudman figurine with a Chinese calligraphic symbol on the back (or anywhere)? Be nice to know.